Thanksgiving Possibly 1988 - 1994

Editor: Jim Goldberg’s “Thanksgiving,” a black and white photograph likely taken between 1988 and 1994, presents a quiet, almost desolate cityscape. I'm immediately drawn to the reflections on the wet pavement – it’s almost painterly. What do you see in this piece, that I might be missing? Curator: Oh, honey, you're on the right track. For me, this isn't just a cityscape; it's a meditation on dreams, fame, and the often-unseen labor that supports it all. Notice how the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, those embedded stars representing aspirational heights, are slick with water. What does that evoke in you? Editor: A sense of impermanence, maybe? Like even fame washes away, eventually? Curator: Precisely! And consider the person washing the street, seemingly faceless, anonymized. It's this juxtaposition of celebrated figures literally underfoot, with the invisible hands that maintain the spectacle. I find it incredibly moving. Goldberg has a knack for capturing the poetry in the mundane. Do you think he's glorifying the cleaning or trying to hint at its realness. Editor: I see what you mean! It challenges the typical Hollywood narrative of glitz and glamour. It's about the work of keeping up the appearances, a real job in that unreality of a city. I had assumed "Thanksgiving" would mean gathering, something familial, but Goldberg seems to subvert the concept here! Curator: Exactly. There’s no turkey, just a stark, almost melancholy portrayal of labor and perhaps, a silent offering of thanks to those who often go unnoticed. Editor: It’s fascinating how a simple street scene can hold so much social commentary. Thanks so much for sharing your insight! Curator: The pleasure's all mine, dear! Keep looking, keep questioning. That's where the real art begins.